Wanneroo City captain Aaron Louttit says promotion to State League Division One is the aim this season, as the Roos prepare for a Round One clash against Balga on Saturday evening.
After several years in Division Two, Louttit has declared promotion is the target in the club’s 50th year.
“My hopes align with everyone at the club – promotion for the club to Division One,” he says. “For the past few years, we’ve under-achieved as a club, but this year we’re one-hundred per cent focused on getting promoted and with this group of players we will be well up there come the end of season.”
For Louttit, there’s no better way to kickstart the season with a home match against local rivals Balga.
“Our games against Balga are always close and competitive. It’s a local derby so it’s a big game for both sides,” he says. “They got the better of us last year so we’re itching to get a win over them in Round One.”
Louttit identified new goalkeeper Jordan Barbas as a crucial addition to the squad, as well as left-back Jordan Rowe, who has joined from Balga and will face his old side first up.
Louttit surveys his options
“He’s a huge signing for us,” says Louttit. “Round One will be massive for him to show he made the right decision moving here.”
Louttit is still just 21 and is one of the youngest captains in top two divisions of the State League. But it isn’t lost on him how important his role is in a milestone year for The Roos.
“This’ll be my third year as captain for the State League first team. I’ve loved every minute of it and it’s an honour to represent my club each time I step onto the pitch. This year for me as captain will be a bit different to others because everyone within the club is expecting us to be minimum top four, and it’s my job to ensure everyone’s on the right path in achieving those targets,” he said.
Kick off for the First Team on Saturday night is 6pm. Full fixtures can be found at https://theroos.com.au/fixtures
